MX1001 - Physician Assistant Studies 1

Credit points:	12
Year:	2012
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Subject chain:	MX1001 MX1002
Administered by:	School of Medicine & Dentistry

Available to Bachelor of Health Science (Physician Assistant) students only.

This subject will provide the introduction to integrated health science studies with foundations in basic science, human anatomy & physiology, pathology and professional practice issues. There will also be a strong emphasis on clinical skills to include: patient communication and history taking, physical examination and an introduction to evidence based medicine. Content will be delivered in a blended format commencing with a two-week, face to face block at the Townsville campus followed by IT based modules, small group learning and live and taped lectures.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire a solid foundation of knowledge in selected foundation sciences;
• ability to apply sound communication skills relevant to interaction with patients, their families and their health professional advisors in a variety of cultural and social settings;
• knowledge of basic clinical skills in the areas of history taking and physical examination that will serve to introduce clinical decision-making;
• knowledge of basic disease pathology and disease prevention;
• critically review the physician assistant role, including working in a delegated medical practice model and the personal and professional dimensions of this role within the Australian health system.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion.

Availabilities
As this subject is part of a subject chain, a final standard grade (e.g. P, C) will only be recorded for each subject after successful completion of all parts of the subject chain.
Townsville, Limited, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2012
Non-standard start/end 23-Jan-2012 to 15-Jun-2012
Face to face teaching 23-Jan-2012 to 10-Jun-2012 (This subject has multiple block teaching dates across the study period that require on campus attendance. The dates of these blocks are still to be finalised.)
Coordinator:	Mr Al Forde, Dr Ray Eifel
Contact hours:	40 hours lectures - On campus 46 hours tutorials - 20 on campus, 26 PBL group at site 10 hours practicals - On campus 10 hours workshops/Seminars - On Campus 260 hours - On line, teleconferences, videoconferences, clinical skills sessions in satellite centres 10 days clinical placement
Assessment:	other exams (% - 100%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Attendance at residential schools and clinical placements is mandatory. Satisfactory completion of the clinical aspects, including set competencies, is required.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.